Mancini: Maybe I do not understand anything about football!

The 50-year-old is perplexed by the continuous criticism of his Inter side despite their position in the table, and insists they will fight for the Scudetto

Inter coach Roberto Mancini offered a scathing response to his critics following Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Juventus, sarcastically suggesting that he does not “understand football”.

The Nerazzurri find themselves in the thick of the title race this season despite struggling to an underwhelming eighth place last time out, and would have returned to the Serie A summit with victory over the Italian champions, who remain eight points behind in 14th.

Despite their record, Mancini has been accused for a perceived negative style of play that has seen Inter score only eight times in as many league matches – a tally matched by relegation strugglers Carpi, whereas joint second-placed Roma have scored 20.

However, the 50-year-old – who had a track record of delivering silverware in his previous spell in charge of the San Siro giants – is having none of the criticism, and believes his current Inter vintage are on the right track to fight for the Scudetto.

“Maybe I do not understand anything about football,” he told reporters sarcastically. “The fact remains that I perceive always too much criticism of us.

“Since the beginning of the season I heard certain things repeated despite five consecutive victories.

“We need to improve a few things but that’s normal. I think we can be up there [challenging for the title].

“Are we the favourites? Fiorentina are doing well, despite losing to Napoli, who are there with Roma, and Juventus will return.”

Inter began the season by surging to five wins on the trot, but have now failed to win their last three games.